Diaphragm Shutters with Controller


  • Ø1/4", Ø1/2", and Ø1" Leaf Shutters
  • Shutter Blades Open from the Center
  • Uncoated or PTFE-Coated Stainless Steel Blades
  • Manual or TTL Input Control

SHB1T

Ø1" Shutter,
PTFE-Coated Blades

SHB05

Ø1/2" Shutter,
Uncoated Blades

SHB025T

Ø1/4" Shutter,
PTFE-Coated Blades

Application Idea

An SHB1T beam shutter
can be mounted to a
scientific CCD camera
with an SM1A39 adapter.

Shutter Controller Included
(Not to Scale)

US Patent 9,671,676

Related Items


Please Wait
Shutter Selection Guide
Diaphragm Single-Blade
Ø1/4", Ø1/2", and Ø1"
Motorized
Ø0.29" Manual
Ø1/2" and Ø1"
Motorized
SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge
SHB1 shutter with aperture opened. The front features an engraving and SM1 threading.

Features

  • Diaphragm Design with Ø1/4", Ø1/2", or Ø1" Clear Aperture
  • Available with Stainless Steel Blades Uncoated or PTFE-Coated for Low Reflectance
  • Compact Shutter Controller Included
  • Safety Features Include:
    • Interlock for Laser Safety Lockout and Other Applications
    • Shutdown Upon Detection of Blade Jam or Other Operation Failure
    • Over-Heating Protection
  • Mounting Adapters Available for Lens Tube, 30 mm Cage, Camera, and Ø1/2" Post Compatibility

Thorlabs' Diaphragm (Leaf) Optical Beam Shutters feature a Ø1/4", Ø1/2", or Ø1" clear aperture, uncoated or PTFE-coated blades that open from the center of the aperture, and compact housings. These patented (US Patent: 9,671,676) shutters have fast response times, include controllers, and can be operated either by manual pushbutton or external 0 to 5 V TTL signal control. Shutters with a Ø1/4" aperture have two stainless steel blades, while shutters with a Ø1/2" and Ø1" aperture have five. For versions with PTFE-coated blades, the coating is deposited on both sides of the blades to reduce reflections from the closed aperture while maintaining the performance of the uncoated shutter. A plot of the typical reflectance of the coating as a function of wavelength can be seen on the Graphs tab.

Operation
The shutter is open while the voltage signal from the controller is high, and the shutter is closed while the voltage signal is low. During manual operation, buttons on the controller are used to control the shutter state. During external modulation, the applied TTL signal controls the shutter state and can drive the shutters at burst frequencies higher than their continuous operation frequencies. Please see the Controller tab for additional details and the Specs tab for a detailed timing diagram.

Note that the blades on these shutters can move freely when turned off. Click here for fail-safe (safety) shutters that are closed by default and only open when a pulse signal is sent to the shutter.


Click to Enlarge

We offer mounting adapters for compatibility with Ø1/2" posts and 30 mm cage systems.

Click to Enlarge

Included Shutter Controller

Shutter Controller
The included controller offers a simple interface for operating the shutters. Power and Status LEDs indicate the shutter state, a BNC connector accepts an external TTL signal, and a 2.5 mm mono jack interlock output is provided. The 2.5 mm mono plug is not included but is available upon request. The controller has a compact 3" x 3.41" x 1.38" housing. A 35" cable connects the shutter to the controller. A universal power supply for 100 - 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz is provided, along with a location-specific AC power cord. For more details on the shutter controller, please see the Controller tab above.

Third party controllers should not be used to control these shutters. The controller included with each shutter below is programmed for use with the accompanying shutter; the controllers are not interchangeable between different shutter sizes.

Mounting Adapters
Mounting adapters for these shutters are available separately below. We offer an option for each shutter that includes an 8-32 (M4) tap for mounting onto Ø1/2" post assemblies and either through holes or 4-40 tapped holes to attach cage rods for integration into 30 mm cage systems. We also offer an adapter for the Ø1/2" shutter that provides these features in addition to internal SM05 (0.535"-40) threading for lens tube capability. An adapter option for the Ø1" shutter has internal C-Mount (1.00"-32) and SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) threading, SM2 (2.035"-40) external threading, and 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with 30 mm cage systems.

Diaphragm Shutters Selection Guide
Item # SHB025 SHB025T SHB05 SHB05T SHB1 SHB1T
Shutter Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
Quarter Inch Shutter Quarter Inch PTFE Shutter Half Inch Shutter Half Inch PTFE Shutter One Inch Shutter One Inch PTFE Shutter
Aperture Size Ø0.25" (Ø6.4 mm) Ø0.508" (Ø12.9 mm) Ø1.00" (Ø25.4 mm)
Blade Coating Uncoated PTFE Uncoated PTFE Uncoated PTFE
Operating Frequency 0 - 50 Hz 0 - 25 Hz 0 - 15 Hz
Minimum Exposure Pulsea 10 ms 29 ms 28 ms
Typical Open / Close Time 3 ms / 3 ms 8 ms / 9 ms 10 ms / 9 ms
Compatible Mounting Adapters SHCP025(/M) SHCP05(/M) and SHM05(/M) SHM1(/M) and SHC1
  • Measured from 50% open to 50% closed, when shutter is driven by its minimum drive pulse (MDP). See the Shutter Timing table and diagram on the Specs tab for more information.
Performance Specificationsa
Item # SHB025(T) SHB05(T) SHB1(T)
Operating Frequencies
Operating Frequency Range 0 - 50 Hz 0 - 25 Hz 0 - 15 Hz
Max Operating Frequency,
Protected Modeb
1 Minute 16 - 50 Hzd 16 - 25 Hzd -
10 Minutes - - 14 - 15 Hz
30 Minutes - - 11 - 13 Hz
Continuousc 15 Hz 15 Hz 10 Hz
Max Operating Frequency,
Unprotected Modeb
Continuousc 50 Hzd 25 Hzd 15 Hz
Key Timings Typical Max Typical Max Typical Max
Minimum Exposure Pulsee 10 ms 12 ms 29 ms 31 ms 28 ms 30 ms
Rise (Open) Time 3 ms 4 ms 8 ms 10 ms 10 ms 12 ms
Fall (Close) Time 3 ms 4 ms 9 ms 12 ms 9 ms 11 ms
Exposure Accuracyf,g 2 ± 0.5 ms 2 ± 0.5 ms 6 ± 0.5 ms
Jitter
(Rising or Falling Edge)
≤10 Hz 1.8 ms 4 ms 1.8 ms 4 ms 1.7 ms 4 ms
10 to 11 Hz - -
11 to 15 Hz 4 ms 8 ms
15 to 16 Hz - - - - N/A N/A
16 to 25 Hz 3.5 ms 8 ms 3.5 ms 8 ms N/A N/A
25 to 50 Hz N/A N/A N/A N/A
Exposure Repeatability Jitterg,h <4 ms
General Specs
Typical Lifetime 15 Million Cycles
Operating Temperature 15 to 40 °C
  • Unless otherwise indicated, all specifications were measured at 25 °C. The shutter blades for Item #s ending in 'T' have an anti-reflective PTFE coating. For reflectance data, as well as typical jitter performance over the lifetime of a shutter, please see the Graphs tab.
  • For definitions of Protected and Unprotected Modes, please see the Controller Tab. Note that overheating protection is disabled in Unprotected Mode.
  • Prolonged modulation of these shutters will eventually result in premature component wear and failure. This device is not intended for long-term continuous modulation.
  • The shutter can get very hot; allow 5 minutes for the shutter to cool before handling.
  • Measured from 50% open to 50% closed, when shutter is driven by its minimum drive pulse (MDP). See Shutter Timing Specifications table and diagram for more information.
  • Maximum deviation in the measured exposure referenced to the external input drive pulse.
  • Specified over the 4 to 15 Hz operating frequency range for the SHB025(T) and SHB05(T) and over the 3 to 10 Hz range for the SHB1(T).
  • Maximum exposure-to-exposure variation, measured 50 times repeatedly.
Physical Specifications
Item # SHB025(T) SHB05(T) SHB1(T)
Shutter
Aperture Diameter 0.25" (6.4 mm) 0.508" (12.9 mm) 1.00" (25.4 mm)
Number of Blades Two Five Five
Outer Diameter 1.00" (25.4 mm) 1.10" (27.9 mm) 2.25" (57.2 mm)
Thickness 0.29" (7.3 mm) 0.29" (7.3 mm) 0.38" (9.7 mm)
Mounting Through Holes Two, Ø0.06"
(Ø1.6 mm)
Two, Ø0.07"
(Ø1.7 mm)
Three, Ø0.10"
(Ø2.4 mm)
Controller
Dimensions 3" x 3.41" x 1.38" (76.2 mm x 86.6 mm x 35.1 mm)
Weight 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
Cable Length 35" (889 mm)
Electrical Specifications
Item # SHB025(T) SHB05(T) SHB1(T)
Shutter
Coil Resistance 8.2 Ω ± 2.5% 8.5 Ω ± 2.5%
Controller Drive Type Pulse Width Modulation at 20 kHz
Shutter Drive Voltage 7.0 VDC (Typical)
8.0 VDC (Max)
Controller
External Modulation
Input Voltage (TTL)
Low: 0 - 0.8 VDC
High: 2.0 - 5.0 VDC
AC Line Voltage 100 - 240 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz
AC Current 0.4 A
Interlock Output Specifications
Operating Voltage 12 VDC (Max)
Current 1 A (Max)
Mating Connector 2.5 mm Mono Phono Jack
Timing Diagram
Click to Enlarge

Timing Diagram. Refer to the table to the right for details.
Shutter Timing Specifications
Diagram
Keyi
Description SHB025(T) SHB05(T) SHB1(T)
Typical Max Typical Max Typical Max
I - A Delay between input pulse rising edge and
initialization of shutter opening
3.3 ms 4 ms 8 ms 10 ms 11 ms 13 ms
A - C Rising edge to 100% open 3 ms 4 ms 8 ms 10 ms 10 ms 12 ms
I - C Delay from input pulse rising edge to
shutter being fully open
6.7 ms 7.5 ms 16 ms 19 ms 21 ms 25 ms
D - E Delay from fall of input pulse to
initialization of shutter closing
2.6 ms 3.5 ms 7 ms 10 ms 15 ms 17 ms
E - G Falling Edge to 100% closed 3 ms 4 ms 9 ms 12 ms 9 ms 11 ms
D - G Delay from fall of input pulse to shutter being fully closed 6 ms 7 ms 16 ms 18 ms 24 ms 26 ms
I - Dj Minimum Drive Pulse (MDP) 10 ms 12 ms 29 ms 31 ms 25 ms 26 ms
C - Ej Minimum exposure pulse at the top of the pulse 7.6 ms 8 ms 21 ms 22 ms 19 ms 21 ms
B - Fj Minimum exposure pulse at 50% of the pulse 10 ms 12 ms 29 ms 31 ms 28 ms 30 ms
A - Gj Minimum Exposure Pulse at the bottom of the pulse 14 ms 15 ms 37 ms 40 ms 35 ms 37 ms
  • The letters refer to the points shown in the diagram to the left.
  • These measurements use the MDP, which is the minimum pulse to drive the minimum open time (I - D).
SHB025 Shutter Stability
Click to Enlarge

Typical Jitter Stability of an SHB025 Shutter
SHB05 Shutter Stability
Click to Enlarge

Typical Jitter Stability of an SHB05 Shutter
SHB1 Shutter Stability
Click to Enlarge

Typical Jitter Stability of an SHB1 Shutter
PTFE Shutter Reflectance
Click to Enlarge

The plot above gives the typical reflectance for the PTFE coating deposited on both sides of the shutter blades of Item #s SHB025T, SHB05T, and SHB1T. This data is not guaranteed and should be used only as a reference.
Shutter Controller Back
Click to Enlarge

Shutter Controller Back
Shutter Controller Front
Click to Enlarge

Shutter Controller Front

Shutter Controller

Each of these diaphragm shutters is provided with a controller capable of operating in two modulation modes: manual or external. In addition, when in external modulation mode, the shutter may be run in either protected or unprotected mode; in unprotected mode the over-temperature shut down is disabled. Descriptions of each of these modes, as well as the LED indicators displayed in each mode, are given below. For convenience, this information is detailed in the manual provided with the shutter and summarized on a quick reference guide on the bottom of the controller.

Manual Modulation Mode

The shutter can be controlled manually by pressing the ENABLE button on the top of the controller. If the shutter is closed, pressing the enable button once will open the shutter and turn the status LED green. Pressing the enable button again will close the shutter and the status LED will turn off. The shutter will stop operating, the status LED will turn red, and the interlock circuit will open if the blades become jammed.

External Modulation Modes

The shutter may also be controlled with an external 0 - 5 V TTL signal by connecting the TTL source and then powering on the controller. If the shutter does not begin operating, press and hold the enable button to enter external modulation mode. There are two external modulation modes, Protected and Unprotected, which are described below. In both, the shutter will stop operating, the status LED will turn red, and the interlock circuit will open if the blades become jammed.

Protected Mode
In protected mode, the shutter can operate at frequencies between the max protected and unprotected continuous frequencies for limited periods of time (bursts). The shutter will shut down if run for too long at these frequencies to protect the unit from overheating. The temperature is not monitored directly, but rather a time limit based on operating the shutter at room temperature without cooling is used. For details on these time limits, please see the Specs tab. The status LED will turn green when the shutter is open and will turn off when the shutter is closed.

Unprotected Mode
In unprotected mode, the shutter will continue to operate at frequencies between the max protected and unprotected continuous frequencies even if the time limit specified for the protected mode is exceeded. This mode is designed for users who actively mitigate the heat within a system containing the shutter. Please carefully note the values on the Specs tab for operating conditions, and be aware that operating in the unprotected mode may lead to shutter damage. The status LED will turn amber when the shutter is open and will turn off when the shutter is closed.

Change Mode to

Current State
Manual External
Protected
External
Unprotected
Manual - Hold ENABLE button for 3 seconds. Hold POWER and ENABLE buttons for 3 seconds.
External
Protected
Press
ENABLE
button.
- Hold POWER and ENABLE buttons for 3 seconds.
External
Unprotected
Press
ENABLE
button.
Hold POWER and ENABLE buttons for 3 seconds. -
LED Status Indicator
Mode \ LED State Shutter
Closed
Shutter
Open
Over-
Temperature
Warning
Over-
Temperature
Max
Frequency
Exceeded
Blade
Jammed
Manual LED offa Green LED No Change No Change No Change Red LED
External
Protected
LED offa Green LED Amber LEDb Red LED Red LED Red LED
External
Unprotected
LED offa Amber LED Amber LEDc Amber LED Red LED Red LED
  • The LED is off.
  • The LED will turn amber 15 seconds prior to shut down. It will no longer turn on and off as shutter opens and closes.
  • The LED will turn amber 15 seconds prior to when shut down would occur in Protected Mode. However, in Unprotected Mode, the unit will not shut down.
4-Pin Mini-DIN Shutter Interface Connector
Pin Description
1 Shutter Detect
2 Modulation +
3 +5 VDC
4 Modulation -
Shield GND

External Modulation Input: TTL 0 to 5 V: Female BNC

Interlock Output: 2.5 mm Mono Phone Jack

SHB1 4-Pin Mini-Din Female Plug
Female Jack on Controller
SHB1 4-Pin Mini-Din Female Plug
Male Plug on 35" (889 mm) Long Shutter Cord

Posted Comments:
Yunu Lee  (posted 2020-10-06 22:51:21.127)
I would like to ask about SHB1(T). In specs, I found two mentions that I wonder. These are: 1. Prolonged modulation of these shutters will eventually result in premature component wear and failure. This device is not intended for long-term continuous modulation. 2. The shutter can get very hot; allow 5 minutes for the shutter to cool before handling If we connect the shutter to the heatsink using a water block and TEC cooler, can I use the shutter for a long-term experiment? Normally, 1 Hz and 1 hour are needed for my experiments. If it can use longer, that would be better!
asundararaj  (posted 2020-10-08 04:42:04.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The maximum frequency that we specify for continuous operation is 10 Hz. As for the the shutter getting hot, the SHM1 can be used for additional heat sinking. Although, we do not think this will be an issue for driving at 1 Hz.
Ana Rakonjac  (posted 2020-09-16 23:31:07.743)
Hi, Is it possible to use these shutters with home-built controllers? We would like to have a single controller unit for several shutters, preferably in an OEM type package.
asundararaj  (posted 2020-09-17 04:26:49.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We do not recommend using these diaphragm shutters with 3rd party controllers. These do not provide standard on/off/hold voltages, these apply a pulse width modulation signal with a varying duty cycle. The details of this are optimized for each shutter type in a programmed PID loop for each SHB* product.
Livio Belegante  (posted 2020-07-06 05:08:18.393)
Hello I have a question about the shutter controller: Do you also provide a module to control the shutter from the PC? I see that the controller has a TTL input. Is there another module that can be connected to the PC in order to close and open the shutter using this TTL input? Thank you
YLohia  (posted 2020-07-06 02:03:02.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we do not offer a software control option for these shutters at the moment. That being said, yes, these can be connected to modules (typically DAQ cards) to interface with PCs using TTL control. Such modules must be able to provide the following signal ranges to the TTL port: Low: 0 - 0.8 VDC; High: 2.0 - 5.0 VDC. Please note that there a 1 MOhm pull-down resistor in the TTL circuit.
pang lei  (posted 2020-04-24 14:06:11.623)
您好 请确认快门和控制器的负载阻值是多少
YLohia  (posted 2020-04-24 08:34:32.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. An applications engineer from our team in China will reach out to you directly to discuss this.
Andreas Trenkwalder  (posted 2020-02-06 12:20:33.493)
Hi, we have several SHB025T shutters with controller, one of them goes now in error mode (red LED) after exactly 4 pushes on the enable button. Same in external mode. Sometimes the shutter stops also in an half open/half closed position. I have checked that the blades are not stuck (there are small scratches on them) and they move easily. Note that the error occurs as well when I remove the blades! The shutter is very hot but the others we have are hot too (maybe less though). Some of the shutters are emitting a very annoying high frequency noise! I think the shutter in question was among the noisy ones, while now I hear it but not very loud. When I exchange the controller I get the same error. Attaching a different shutter to the original controller the error does not occur. So I think its the shutter. What can we do? Do you offer replacement shutters without controller? Thanks in advance! Kind regards, Andreas Trenkwalder
asundararaj  (posted 2020-02-10 09:32:57.0)
Hello Andreas, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have contacted you directly via email to troubleshoot this issue.
Pinrui Shen  (posted 2019-07-12 15:57:29.337)
Hi, I am considering to buy a SHB025T shutter and wonder if the SHB025T coated blades can take 1 W power @780 nm when it is being closed. Will it be damaged? Thanks!
YLohia  (posted 2019-07-12 04:24:46.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we do not spec a formal damage threshold, >1 kW/cm^2 with a CW beam at this wavelength is likely a safe value for the Teflon surface. The shutter vane will experience a rise in temperature as a high power laser beam is absorbed. With enough power there may be ablation.
Alexander Fateev  (posted 2019-05-06 04:34:45.44)
Hello, I'm considering to order a shutter for our UV/IR systems (based on grating spectrometers). Most of the time the shutter should be opened and just before the measurements the shutter has to be closed for "dark current/background" measurements. As I see this operation mode will heat the blades that is not a problem for the UV measurements but will cause a problem for the IR ones. Would be better to use SH1 (SM1 optics) shutter instead off? Regards, Alexander
asundararaj  (posted 2019-05-20 01:43:37.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. If you suspect that having the shutter enabled (which means that the blades are open) will heat the blades, electrical heat dissipation is not expected due to the holding current. Upon testing one of the SHB1 units, having it enabled overnight, the shutter head/blades have not gotten warm/hot. I would expect the SH1 to have similar performance when open. If you are referring to the blades getting warm due to the light incident on the blades (when the shutter blades are closed), I would recommend using the SHB1, which have stainless steel blades in comparison to the teflon-coated blades in the SHB1T. As for the SH1, we recommend that the case of the shutter does not exceed 50 °C, as this may affect the performance of the solenoid.
thomas.bereza  (posted 2019-03-11 04:40:08.217)
Dear, Is it possible to send me the CAD file of the shutter controller? Thank you ! Kind regards, Thomas Bereza
llamb  (posted 2019-03-11 04:25:16.0)
Hello Thomas. You can find the CAD file and other downloadable files by clicking on the red "Docs" logo next to each part number, located further down this page.
nees  (posted 2018-12-20 09:29:38.923)
Regarding SHB1T and other beam stoppers: In our use of beam stopping devices, a highly scattering non-absorbing stop typically has a higher damage threshold than black. BIC white-out is better than most coatings, but Labsphere's paint is even better. I suspect that thin alumina would be tough light and high damage threshold, and might be coated on the back with metal or absorber.
llamb  (posted 2018-12-21 10:02:55.0)
Thank you for your feedback. We offer the PTFE-coated blades to reduce reflections from the closed aperture. Reflections and back-scattering can often interfere with your optical signal and impact your power readings. If you have a high-power laser application and are concerned about the damage threshold of the shutters, please reach out to techsupport@thorlabs.com to discuss your application further.
sidney.gautrau  (posted 2018-09-05 19:35:32.42)
If the shutter was installed in a vacuum chamber, would the shutter work in between vacuum cycles? We only want to use the shutter at atmospheric pressure, but would cycle between atmospheric and 10^-5 torr to refill chamber with a wanted mixture.
llamb  (posted 2018-09-17 08:27:58.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The diaphragm shutters are not vacuum-compatible. Various components in the assembly will outgas in a vacuum, such as the anodized aluminum housing.
Norbert.Hofmann  (posted 2018-01-17 10:29:02.287)
Can you provide a cross-sectional technical drawing? What is the distance between the lower surface and the shutters and between the shutters and the top surface?
nbayconich  (posted 2018-01-23 10:13:18.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. At the moment we do not have a cross-sectional drawing available for these optical shutters. The distance between the lower outer surface and the shutter blades is 1.194mm and the distance from the top of the housing to the blade is 6.147mm. The thickness of the blades is approximately 0.003" thick.
arkachatterjee.physics  (posted 2017-12-08 03:17:48.62)
Dear Sir we have recently bought the optical shutter but we want the shutter off when getting the TTL input.Please inform me how it can be done.
tfrisch  (posted 2017-12-15 10:25:45.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The shutter is closed when the input signal is low for safety reasons since it may be used with a laser. I will reach out to you about your application to discuss whether it would be safe for you to invert your input signal before the controller.
user  (posted 2017-05-10 13:10:56.72)
What is the sense (polarity) of the shutter detect signal?
nbayconich  (posted 2017-05-31 10:04:06.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Our SH series diaphragm shutters use a high and low voltage to indicate the open and closed shutter positions. The shutters use a Hall effect sensor as the detection medium. A techsupport representative will contact you directly.
user  (posted 2017-05-10 12:53:09.893)
What is the wavelength of the optical sensor inside the package, and is the package opaque or transparent at that wavelength? i.e. will the package glow at some optical wavelength?
nbayconich  (posted 2017-05-25 09:44:28.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The controllers of these diaphragm shutters use a hall effect sensor to determine the position which has no internal LED. A techsupport representative will contact you directly.
rirwin11  (posted 2017-03-30 18:27:47.29)
Hi, we are interested in buying this shutter but would like to use it as an open shutter which closes after receiving a TTL pulse. Is that possible with this shutter as I've noticed that it mentions using it closed and opening on a pulse. Thank you.
tfrisch  (posted 2017-03-31 04:54:27.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. These shutters are closed at low signal so that they will shut if there is a fault in the system. I will reach out to you directly about your application.
shufflezzang  (posted 2017-02-04 04:08:50.657)
I bought it before and I want to high power laser setup So I wonder what is the maximum strength this can hold and how long this can hold. thank you for your product
tfrisch  (posted 2017-02-13 02:29:06.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we don't have a formal damage threshold spec, I can reach out to you directly for more details on your application.
zontamicaela  (posted 2017-01-19 09:23:37.077)
Hello, we'd like to buy this shutter. What we really need would be a normally open shutter, which fastly closes upon TTL-set pulses. This is because we want to protect photosensitive PMTs when applying an external laser short pulse (lasting 150ms), but we want to image immediately before and after this pulse. Would it be possible to invert the activation mode of your shutter to have it normally open? Thanks a lot
tfrisch  (posted 2017-01-25 05:38:42.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We will contact you directly about your application, but it sounds like you are triggering the shutter off of your laser's monitor TTL. We will reach out to you with possibilities for inverting the signal for your application.
kenny.grace  (posted 2017-01-11 17:08:22.123)
Love this shutter, works great. do you supply replacement blades or repair laser damaged blades? If not do you sell just the shutter blade assembly? Do not need to replace the controller it works fine.
tfrisch  (posted 2017-01-12 08:56:13.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We're glad you are pleased with the performance, and I will reach out to you directly about the best course of action to replace the blades.
user  (posted 2016-12-15 04:33:07.613)
We want to use this shutter to block a pulsed laser system 533 nm, 0.1 mJ/pulse, 5 ns pulse duration, 20 Hz, 2 mm spot size, for up to 10 minutes. Is this advisable?
tfrisch  (posted 2016-12-20 09:04:06.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. While we don't have any formal testing on the pulse damage threshold of these blades, the material would be either stainless steel or PTFE coated stainless steel, and you can use that as a guide. Please email us at TechSupport@Thorlabs.com if you would like to discuss this further.
cbrideau  (posted 2016-09-19 15:53:55.21)
An SM1 lens tube with a u-slot cut into it to accept the cable seems like an easy way to mount this thing.
jlow  (posted 2016-09-21 04:55:32.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: Thank you for your suggestion. I have posted this idea in our internal forum and we will look into providing a mount for this.
ben.aernouts  (posted 2016-05-25 11:45:57.38)
Dear, We recently purchased a SHB1T shutter from Thorlabs. If the shutter controller is disconnected and reconnected to the power supply, the shutter controller need to be switched on again manually by pressing the on/off button. We are using the shutter in an automated setup and where we wish the shutter to work immediately after connecting to the power supply (without additionally pressing the on/off button). Is it possible to change this setting of the controller? Or is it possible to build our own controller? In other words, can you provide me with some more information on the 'modulation +' and 'modulation -' signal? Many thanks for your help and best regards, Ben
besembeson  (posted 2016-05-26 08:53:42.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: The shutter has a feature to automatically default to power ON for users that require auto power ON when DC is applied without pressing the POWER button. We have this described here: http://www.thorlabs.com/thorcat/21600/SHB1T-Manual.pdf#page=11 The modulation input is used to open and close the shutter with a TTL pulse. A High Logic state is 2 – 5 V opens the shutter while a Low Logic State (0 – 0.8 V) closes the shutter. Further details can be found here: http://www.thorlabs.com/thorcat/21600/SHB1T-Manual.pdf#page=9
c.arrasmith  (posted 2016-03-11 13:09:46.837)
I cannot find damage threshold values in any of the literature. Especially for the PTFE coated shutter, can you please update the specifications to include laser power considerations (power density, peak power, average power, pulse energy)? Having no damage threshold numbers for these shutters seems like a large oversight.
besembeson  (posted 2016-03-11 04:28:12.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for contacting Thorlabs. The damage threshold for continuous wave laser, tested at 532nm, 0.73mm spot size, exposure for 10 seconds is 1250 W/cm^2. We don't have similar damage threshold yet for pulses.
user  (posted 2015-10-08 10:31:01.86)
Does the controller for the SHB1 shutter include an optocoupler (optoisolator) for TTL signals from the BNC input connector?
besembeson  (posted 2015-10-13 04:52:12.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: No there isn't.
igkiou  (posted 2015-09-28 23:10:27.89)
Hi, do you provide 2-inch versions of these diaphragms? If not, do you offer some other motorized diaphragm with a 2-inch aperture? Thanks a lot for your assistance.
besembeson  (posted 2015-10-08 01:30:30.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Thanks for your feedback. We don't offer 2" versions at this time.
russeld2  (posted 2015-08-17 17:35:20.3)
Two questions about SHB1: -with its reflective stainless steel blades, is the SHB1 robust enough to be used (on a fluorescence microscope) to shutter illumination from a 100 watt mercury arc lamp (which has a heat absorbing filter)? -does the BNC input connector on the SHB1's controller also work with a switch closure, to open the shutter when a switch is closed? If not, could the BNC input be rewired easily for such switch-closure activation?
besembeson  (posted 2015-09-28 06:21:22.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: That seems like a lot more power than this shutter is intended for. The blades are very thin and will most likely be damaged though we don't have such test data yet. As for the external input, it requires a logic level 0V or 5V, with 5V opening the shutter and 0V closing the shutter. If you could wire the switch between a 5V supply and a pull-down resistor to ground, the logic would work.
peter.zaksek  (posted 2015-04-10 00:40:53.513)
Are any of this product can working in water? hi
jlow  (posted 2015-04-15 04:43:22.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The shutter are not waterproof so you should not immerse it in water.
alpkjs  (posted 2013-12-30 16:35:04.987)
Can I use this shutter in a vacuum, pressure of 10^-4 mbar?
cdaly  (posted 2014-01-02 02:38:00.0)
Response from Chris at Thorlabs: Thank you for using our feedback tool. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend using this at that strength of vacuum. Between the anodization on the main housing and the PVC jacketing on the internal wires, there would certainly be some outgassing.
user  (posted 2013-07-19 11:24:38.507)
How long is the cable between controller and shutter?
sharrell  (posted 2013-07-19 09:43:00.0)
Response from Sean at Thorlabs: Thank you for your question. The cable is 35" (889 mm). The measurement can be found on our PDF drawing: http://www.thorlabs.com/Thorcat/21600/SHB1-ShutterAutoCADPDF.pdf. I've also added this information to the text on the webpage.

Ø1/4" Diaphragm Shutters with Controller

Key Specficationsa
Operating Frequency 0 - 50 Hz
Minimum Exposure Pulse 10 ms
Open Time (Typical) 3 ms
Close Time (Typical) 3 ms
Mechanical Drawing
(Click for Details)
PTFE Coating Reflectanceb
(Click for Graph)
  • Refer to the Specs tab for complete specifications.
  • Item # SHB025T Only
  • Two Stainless Steel Blades:
    • SHB025: Uncoated Blades
    • SHB025T: PTFE-Coated Blades for Low Reflectance
  • Shutter Housing Dimensions: Ø1.00", 0.29" Thick
  • Includes Shutter, Controller, and Power Supply
  • Adapter Available for Cage and Post Compatibility (Sold Separately)

Thorlabs' SHB025 and SHB025T diaphragm shutters have two stainless steel leaves and offer a Ø0.25" aperture in a compact, Ø1.00", 0.29" thick housing. The leaves of the SHB025 shutter are uncoated, while the leaves of the SHB025T shutter are coated with PTFE for low reflectance. Each shutter includes a controller. For more details on the shutter controller, please see the Controller tab above.

Two Ø0.06" (Ø1.6 mm) through holes are provided around the edge of the housing that can accept #0 (M1.4) screws for custom and OEM mounting options. Only use non-magnetic screws; using regular screws may degrade shutter performance. For conventional mounting of these shutters to our selection of posts, or integration into cage systems, we offer the SHCP025(/M) Mounting Adapter, available below.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SHB025 Support Documentation
SHB025Ø1/4" Stainless Steel Diaphragm Optical Beam Shutter with Controller
$1,009.74
3 weeks
SHB025T Support Documentation
SHB025TØ1/4" Low-Reflectance Diaphragm Optical Beam Shutter with Controller
$1,009.74
3 weeks

Ø1/2" Diaphragm Shutters with Controller

Key Specficationsa
Operating Frequency 0 - 25 Hz
Minimum Exposure Pulse 29 ms
Open Time (Typical) 8 ms
Close Time (Typical) 9 ms
Mechanical Drawing
(Click for Details)
PTFE Coating Reflectanceb
(Click for Graph)
  • Refer to the Specs tab for complete specifications.
  • Item # SHB05T Only
SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge

SHB05 Shutter Attached to an
SM05 Lens Tube in an
SM05RC Lens Tube Slip Ring
  • Five Stainless Steel Blades:
    • SHB05: Uncoated Blades
    • SHB05T: PTFE-Coated Blades for Low Reflectance
  • Shutter Housing Dimensions: Ø1.10", 0.29" Thick
  • Includes Shutter, Controller, and Power Supply
  • Compatible with SM05 Lens Tubes
  • Adapters Available for Cage and Post Compatibility (Sold Separately)

Thorlabs' SHB05 and SHB05T diaphragm shutters have five stainless steel leaves and offer a Ø0.508" aperture in a compact, Ø1.10", 0.29" thick housing. The leaves of the SHB05 shutter are uncoated, while the leaves of the SHB05T shutter are coated with PTFE for low reflectance. Each shutter includes a controller. For more details on the shutter controller, please see the Controller tab above.

One side of the aperture is internally SM05 (0.535"-40) threaded to easily interface with all of our SM05 lens tubes and other SM05-threaded components. For integration within cage or post assembly systems, consider the SHCP05(/M) or SHM05(/M) adapters, available below. For custom and OEM mounting options, two Ø0.07" (Ø1.7 mm) through holes are provided around the edge of the housing that can accept #0 (M1.4) screws. Only use non-magnetic screws; using regular screws may degrade shutter performance.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SHB05 Support Documentation
SHB05Ø1/2" Stainless Steel Diaphragm Optical Beam Shutter with Controller
$1,009.74
Today
SHB05T Support Documentation
SHB05TØ1/2" Low-Reflectance Diaphragm Optical Beam Shutter with Controller
$1,069.12
3 weeks

Ø1" Diaphragm Shutters with Controller

Key Specficationsa
Operating Frequency 0 - 15 Hz
Minimum Exposure Pulse 28 ms
Open Time (Typical) 10 ms
Close Time (Typical) 9 ms
Mechanical Drawing
(Click for Details)
PTFE Coating Reflectanceb
(Click for Graph)
  • Refer to the Specs tab for complete specifications.
  • Item # SHB1T Only
SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge

SHB1 Shutter Attached to an
SM1 Lens Tube in an
SM1RC Lens Tube Slip Ring
  • Five Stainless Steel Blades:
    • SHB1: Uncoated Blades
    • SHB1T: PTFE-Coated Blades for Low Reflectance
  • Shutter Housing Dimensions: Ø2.25", 0.38" Thick
  • Includes Shutter, Controller, and Power Supply
  • Compatible with SM1 Lens Tubes
  • Adapters Available with Additional Thread Standards and Cage Compatibility (Sold Separately)

Thorlabs' SHB1 and SHB1T diaphragm shutters have five stainless steel leaves and offer a Ø1.00" aperture in a compact, Ø2.25", 0.38" thick housing. The leaves of the SHB1 shutter are uncoated, while the leaves of the SHB1T shutter are coated with PTFE for low reflectance. Each shutter includes a controller. For more details on the shutter controller, please see the Controller tab above.

One side of the aperture is internally SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded to easily interface with all of our SM1 lens tubes and other SM1-threaded components. For integration within other lens tube, cage, or post assembly systems, consider the SHC1 or SHM1(/M) adapters, available below. For custom and OEM mounting options, three Ø0.10" (Ø2.4 mm) through holes are provided around the edge of the housing that can accept #2 (M2) screws. Only use non-magnetic screws; using regular screws may degrade shutter performance.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SHB1 Support Documentation
SHB1Ø1" Stainless Steel Diaphragm Optical Beam Shutter with Controller
$1,009.74
Today
SHB1T Support Documentation
SHB1TØ1" Low-Reflectance Diaphragm Optical Beam Shutter with Controller
$1,069.12
Lead Time

Mounting Adapter for Ø1/4" Diaphragm Shutters


Click to Enlarge

The adapter allows the SHB025 shutter to be mounted within a 30 mm cage system.
SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge

The double bore of the SHCP025 accepts the outer diameter of the shutter.
  • 8-32 (M4) Tap for Mounting on a Ø1/2" Post
  • Four Cage Rod Through Holes for Mounting Within a 30 mm Cage System
  • Shutter Secured Using Top-Located 8-32 Nylon-Tipped Setscrew
  • Compact Design: 0.35" Thick

The SHCP025(/M) Mounting Adapter is designed to make our Ø1/4" diaphragm shutters compatible with Ø1/2" posts and 30 mm cage systems. The adapter features a double bore that accepts the outer diameter of the shutter and a notch allows its cord to pass freely, as shown in the photograph to the right. The top of the adapter has an 8-32 nylon-tipped setscrew for securing the shutter, which mounts with three points of contact.

The adapter allows the shutter to be placed anywhere within a 30 mm cage system by providing four through holes for use with Ø6 mm cage rods. Four side-located 8-32 setscrews (5/64" [2.0 mm] hex) secure the cage rods. A Ø1/2" post can be attached to the bottom of the adapter using the 8-32 (M4) tapped hole.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
SHCP025 Support Documentation
SHCP02530 mm Cage and Post Mounting Adapter for SHB025(T) Optical Beam Shutter, 8-32 Tap
$45.42
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
SHCP025/M Support Documentation
SHCP025/M30 mm Cage and Post Mounting Adapter for SHB025(T) Optical Beam Shutter, M4 Tap
$45.42
Today

Mounting Adapters for Ø1/2" Diaphragm Shutters


Click to Enlarge
The SHCP05 adapter allows the shutter to be mounted within a 30 mm cage system.
SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge

The SHM05 adapter's double bore accepts the outer diameter of the shutter.
  • 8-32 (M4) Tap for Mounting on a Ø1/2" Post
  • SHCP05(/M) Mounting Adapter
    • Four Cage Rod Through Holes for Mounting Within a 30 mm Cage System
    • Shutter Secured Using Top-Located 8-32 Nylon-Tipped Setscrew
    • Compact Design: 0.35" (8.9 mm) Thick
  • SHM05(/M) Mounting Adapter
    • 4-40 Tapped Holes Provide Terminal 30 mm Cage System Compatibility
    • Internal SM05 (0.535"-40) Threading for Ø1/2" Lens Tube Compatibility
    • Shutter Secured using 8-32 Nylon-Tipped Setscrew or Two 0-80 Tapped Holes
    • Compact Design: 0.38" (9.5 mm) Thick

These mounting adapters are designed to make our Ø1/2" diaphragm shutters compatible with Ø1/2" posts and 30 mm cage systems. Each adapter features a double bore that accepts the outer diameter of the shutter and a notch that allows the controller cord to pass freely, as shown in the photograph to the right. The top of each adapter has an 8-32 nylon-tipped setscrew for mounting with three points of contact. A Ø1/2" post can be attached to the bottom of the adapters using the 8-32 (M4) tapped hole. The SHM05(/M) adapter also offers three 0-80 taps that can be used to secure the shutter for vibration-sensitive applications.

The SHCP05(/M) adapter allows the shutter to be placed anywhere within a 30 mm cage system by providing four through holes for use with Ø6 mm cage rods. Four side-located 8-32 setscrews (5/64" [2.0 mm] hex) secure the cage rods.

The SHM05(/M) adapter features four 4-40 tapped holes that allow the shutter to be installed as the terminating element in a 30 mm cage system. The clear aperture of the adapter has internal SM05 threads, which allows lens tubes to be attached to both sides of a shutter/adapter combination.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
SHCP05 Support Documentation
SHCP0530 mm Cage and Post Mounting Adapter for SHB05(T) Optical Beam Shutter, 8-32 Tap
$45.42
Today
SHM05 Support Documentation
SHM05Post Mounting Adapter for SHB05(T) Optical Beam Shutter, 8-32 Tap
$65.51
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
SHCP05/M Support Documentation
SHCP05/M30 mm Cage and Post Mounting Adapter for SHB05(T) Optical Beam Shutter, M4 Tap
$45.42
Today
SHM05/M Support Documentation
SHM05/MPost Mounting Adapter for SHB05(T) Optical Beam Shutter, M4 Tap
$65.51
Today

Mounting Adapters for Ø1" Diaphragm Shutters

SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge

The double bore of the SHM1(/M) allows the SM1 threads of the shutter to be freely accessed.
SHB1 with Lens Tube
Click to Enlarge

The SHM1(/M) provides 30 mm cage compatibility via 4-40 taps on one side.
  • 4-40 Tapped Holes Provide 30 mm Cage System Compatibility
  • SHM1(/M) Mounting Adapter
    • 8-32 (M4) Tap for Mounting on a Ø1/2" Post
    • Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threading for Ø1" Lens Tube Compatibility
    • Shutter Secured using 8-32 Nylon-Tipped Setscrew or Three 2-56 Tapped Holes
    • Compact Design: 0.43" (10.8 mm) Thick
  • SHC1 Threaded Enclosure
    • Internal C-Mount (1.00"-32) Threading on Lid
    • Internal SM30 (M30.5 x 0.5) Threading on Enclosure
    • External SM2 (2.035"-40) Threading on Both Sides for Ø2" Lens Tube Compatibility
    • Shutter Secured using Three M2 Tapped Holes

SHB1(T) Installation Inside SHC1 Enclosure

The SHM1(/M) Mounting Adapter provides a range of mounting options. It features four 4-40 tapped holes on one side for attaching a 30 mm cage system, a 8-32 (M4) tapped hole on the bottom for mounting on a Ø1/2" post, and internal SM1 threads to the back side for lens tube integration. The adapter offers two methods for mounting a Ø1" diaphragm shutter. For faster insertion and removal, the top of the adapter has an 8-32 nylon-tipped setscrew, which secures the shutter with three points of contact inside the double bore. Alternatively, three 2-56 taps can be used to secure the shutter for vibration-sensitive applications.

The SHC1 Threaded Enclosure provides extended lens tube compatibility, with external SM2 threads on either side of the assembled adapter. The lid that encloses the shutter also provides internal C-Mount threads, while the rear of the enclosure offers internal SM30 threads. Both sides of the assembled adapter feature four 4-40 tapped holes for compatibility with 30 mm cage systems.

To install the shutter in the SHC1 adapter, remove the lid and secure the shutter using three included M2 screws (1.5 mm hex key included). Once in place, the lid is attached using four included M2 screws to enclose the shutter (as shown in the animation to the left). The lid can be removed to access the SM1 threads of the shutter on one side while maintaining SM2 compatibility on the other.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
SHM1 Support Documentation
SHM1Post Mounting Adapter for SHB1(T) Optical Beam Shutter, 8-32 Tap
$82.11
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SHC1 Support Documentation
SHC1Mounting Adapter Enclosure for SHB1(T) Optical Beam Shutter, External SM2 Threads
$199.82
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
SHM1/M Support Documentation
SHM1/MPost Mounting Adapter for SHB1(T) Optical Beam Shutter, M4 Tap
$82.11
Today
Last Edited: Dec 19, 2012 Author: Sean Harrell